Fight Against Human Trafficking in SC Continues

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - With 45 arrests made in the Upstate dealing with child sex crimes and human trafficking, it's setting in how much of problem this is in our state.

It's an issue that's becoming more of a harsh reality as we all become more aware of it.

As part of our Selling Girls series, we caught up with the state human trafficking task force as they met Friday to discuss more ways we can help victims and survivors, what progress has been made in the fight, and what still needs to be done.

Kathryn Moorehead is the coordinator of the statewide human trafficking taskforce.

"The top five counties for reports of human trafficking were Greenville, Richland, Beaufort, Charleston, and Horry," said Moorehead.

Moorehead says the interstates and busy roads in those areas may contribute to why there are more reports of human trafficking.

She believes more awareness to the issue has helped people know what signs to look out for.

"People are able to report to the national human trafficking hotline when they see human trafficking and victims are able to reach out and get services," explained Moorehead.

"Human trafficking is extremely broad, it's in-depth, and it affects everyone. They are our future. What is the purpose of someone exploiting a child and ultimately destroying their entire life for maybe a thousand dollars? There shouldn't be a purpose for that," said Williams Scurry.

Williams Scurry says awareness is helping save those that are stuck in the world of human trafficking.

"Richland County had three operations in January where they arrested 17 purchasers. Of course it wasn't the same scale as Greenville County but we are doing work to prevent this crime," said Williams Scurry.

Although progress is being made, Williams Scurry believes there's more room for change.

"High schoolers and middle schoolers will learn more about human trafficking. Hopefully that will be mandated through legislation. We really need more safe homes in South Carolina and we really need more foster care homes for foster care youth who have been involved in human trafficking," explained Williams Scurry.

The state human trafficking task force plans on meeting again in June.